Bantwal: Illegal laterite stone, soil mining busted; vehicles, machinery seized

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 4, 2026: Police have busted an alleged illegal laterite stone and soil mining operation in Bantwal taluk, seizing vehicles, heavy machinery, and other equipment used in the activity.

According to police, Vittal Police Sub-Inspector Ramakrishna received credible information on the evening of July 2 about illegal mining at Muguli in Karopady village. Acting on the tip-off, he, along with a police team, conducted a raid at the site.

As the police vehicle approached, those allegedly involved in the illegal laterite stone mining fled the scene. During the inspection, officers found evidence of unauthorised laterite stone excavation and recovered the machinery used for the operation.

Police also found that illegal soil mining was being carried out nearby. A weighbridge, a building used for weighing lorries transporting the illegally excavated soil, and several other machines and equipment were also discovered at the site.

All the vehicles, machinery, and equipment used in the alleged illegal mining have been seized for further legal action.

A case has been registered at the Vittal Police Station against Muligadde Zakaria and others for allegedly carrying out mining activities without a valid licence. The case has been registered as Crime No. 148/2026 under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Sections 4(1) and 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and Sections 3 and 44 of the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1994.

Further investigation is underway.